The Nigerian Senate has approved the imposition of the death penalty on individuals found guilty of drug trafficking within the nation’s borders.
The decision, made on Thursday, May 9, marks a significant shift from the existing punishment outlined in the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act, which imposes a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The Senate’s resolution to amend the NDLEA Act stems from a thorough consideration of a report presented by the Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, and Drugs and Narcotics. Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno North), Chairman of the Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights & Legal Matters, delivered the report during the plenary session.
The proposed amendment, known as the NDLEA Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024, encompasses a range of objectives, including updating the roster of prohibited substances, enhancing the operational efficiency of the NDLEA, revising penalties, and facilitating the establishment of state-of-the-art laboratories for drug analysis.
During the deliberations, Senator Ali Ndume proposed the amendment to escalate the penalty from life imprisonment to death, a move that garnered support among his colleagues.
Despite objections raised by Senator Adams Oshiomhole regarding the gravity of such a decision, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, presiding over the session, upheld the amendment following a voice vote.
The ruling stood, as the opportunity to challenge it through a division was not seized immediately after the announcement.
Following the debate and consideration, the bill passed its third reading and received unanimous approval from the Senate, signaling a resolute stance against drug trafficking and related crimes within the country.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is a governmental body in Nigeria tasked with combating the illicit drug trade, trafficking, and abuse within the country.